Contact: Jamie Roice-Gomes, University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Living With Fire Program, 775-336-0261 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – This May marks the start of Wildfire Awareness Month, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team announced today. The collaboration is leveling up the region’s wildfire preparedness efforts by kicking off the Lake Tahoe Wildfire Awareness Campaign. The campaign includes many events and will run from May through October, highlighting the message: “Get Defensive – Create Defensible Space.”

“This year’s theme is a fun way to say that the best offense is a strong defense and to be proactive when it comes to maintaining a home that has proper defensible space,” says Tia Rancourt, public information officer for the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., April 29, 2024 – If conditions and weather are favorable, Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) member, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, may burn piles this week at Lake Tahoe. Smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the prescribed fire map with details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                     

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., April 29, 2024 – As we move into the warm season, it’s time to start thinking about defensible space and home hardening. The choice Tahoe residents make to live in the forest surrounding beautiful Lake Tahoe comes with added responsibility. This responsibility includes minimizing the risk of wildfire from embers landing on or around your home or property. Research suggests that 60-90 percent of home ignitions are due to embers falling on something combustible such as pine needles, leaves, juniper bushes, and/or patio furniture. Once ignited, ember fires eagerly search for nearby combustible material (fuels) and once found produce more embers, creating a destructive cycle. 

Wildfire risk is reduced in areas where defensible space and home hardening tasks are completed. Whether it is a wildland fire or a nearby structure fire, embers are the problem. Fire embers are weightless and easily carried by the wind, which allows them to land on combustible material, creating new fire ignitions. Embers can sometimes travel a mile or more away from the flame front. This is the most common cause of structure ignition during wildland fire events. 

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., April 22, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) members, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the USDA Forest Service, may burn piles this week at Lake Tahoe if conditions and weather are favorable. Smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map, and the prescribed fire map with details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil, and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District – C100, B11, E11, E12, M12, E13, responded to a vehicle on fire in the garage of a residence on Winding Way at approximately 1:13 p.m. this afternoon.

The resident was safely evacuated, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Thank you to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and NV Energy for your response and support.

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District will be hosting a Community Blood Drive on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the main fire station located at 875 Tanager Street.

Donate for Moms by giving blood on Tuesday, May 7th.

Food and beverages will be provided courtesy of the Hyatt Regency Resort, Spa & Casino, and Mofo's Pizza.

To make an appointment:

With the change of seasons officially here, it is a good reminder to start thinking about outdoor springtime clean-up (that is of course between snowstorms and shoveling your fire hydrant!). During this transitional season change, we can anticipate getting ready for fire season and creating our defensible space. This also includes making sure you have a preparedness kit or go bag ready, and for Washoe County residents, that you are signed up for CodeRED Emergency Alert notifications.

Embrace Village-wide Fire Safety! Secure a Free Defensible Space Inspection Today!

Join hands with the Fire Department to safeguard our community against wildfires. Sign up for your complimentary Defensible Space Inspection, complete with a comprehensive report and photographs. Let's work together to enhance our understanding of wildfire prevention. Schedule your inspection here. Also, for our free chipping service, please visit here. Please note that both Defensible Space Inspection and Chipping requests for the 2024 season will start May 6, 2024.

It is National Donate Life Month, and we are honored to support Nevada Donor Network’s mission to save and heal lives through donation by participating in the 2024 Silver State Heroes Challenge along with first responder agencies across the state.

More than 100,000 people nationwide are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, including nearly 700 Nevadans. Will you help us bring hope to these 700 Nevadans who are waiting for their second chance through organ donation? Not registered?

Register here: www.nvdonor.org/nltfd.

Together, we have the power to save and heal lives.

Thanks to a $1.7 million grant from FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, Carson City, Tahoe Douglas, East Fork, Smith Valley, and North Lake Tahoe Fire Districts all have new, state-of-the-art Scott X3 PRO self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

These SCBAs, essential for protecting firefighters in hazardous environments, were nearing the end of their lifespan. The new Scott X3 PRO models offer the latest safety features, ensuring better protection for our firefighters who risk their lives for our communities.

This grant, administered by the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD), fostered regional cooperation, with all five fire departments now using the same equipment, enabling seamless collaboration, communication, and interoperability during joint operations across county lines.

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District thanks FEMA and the participating fire departments for collaborating over the last 17 months in securing and implementing this grant.

“Big thanks go to FEMA and all the participating fire districts for making this vital upgrade possible. Regional cooperation is key, and this project is a shining example of that principle in action,” said NLTFPD Fire Chief Ryan Sommers.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., April 1, 2024 – Conditions and weather permitting, Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) member, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, will continue burning piles on Lake Tahoe’s eastern shore this week. Smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the prescribed fire map with details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., March 18, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) members, the Nevada Division of Forestry and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, will resume burning piles on the East Shore this week, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the prescribed fire map with details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                       

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., March 11, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) member, the Nevada Division of Forestry, will resume burning piles at Spooner Lake this week, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map and the prescribed fire map with details at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

US National Weather Service Reno has issued a Blizzard Warning in effect from 10 a.m. Thursday, February 29 through 10 a.m. Sunday, March 3, 2024 for the greater Lake Tahoe area.

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle.

Additionally, the Sierra Avalanche Center has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Watch in effect from 7 a.m. Friday, March 1 through 5 p.m. Sunday, March 3, 2024 for high to extreme avalanche danger for the Greater Lake Tahoe area.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Feb. 26, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) members, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, and the Nevada Division of Forestry will conduct prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

It is not just about wearing red. It is about taking action to prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death in the US. The American Heart Association has resources to help you live a healthier life, eat better, and stay active. Visit their website for valuable tips www.heart.org.

Knowing CPR could mean the difference between life and death for someone experiencing cardiac arrest. The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) offers monthly CPR classes to empower you to save lives. Sign up today at www.nltfpd.org. Be the "link in the chain of survival"!

You can also download the PulsePoint app. This innovative 911-connected app informs you of nearby emergencies and empowers you to help. When someone close by needs CPR, PulsePoint alerts you and guides you to their location. With over 1300 active users in our community, you can follow us, stay connected, and if CPR is needed, lend a hand, “Get the app. Save a life.”

As the first Heart Safe Community since 2014 in the state of Nevada, we celebrate our community and continue striving to provide the best possible care to our community members.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Feb. 12, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) including North Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California Tahoe Conservancy, Nevada Division of Forestry, and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, will conduct prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe as conditions and weather allow. Smoke will be present. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District will be holding a Public Auction for these two vehicles starting on Monday Feb. 12^th at 0800 and ending on Friday Feb. 16^th at 1600.

Please email your highest bid for each vehicle of interest to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. within the bidding window.

On Friday Feb. 16^th at 1600 we will collect the bids and notify you if you are the highest bidder for a particular vehicle. *Bidding starts at reserve price in the Ad Listing*

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                            

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 29, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) including North Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, will continue burning this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke may be present throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada – The Tahoe Resource Conservation District, a member of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, is encouraging homeowners and residents at Lake Tahoe to participate in the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Community program in 2024. The initiative focuses on creating Fire Adapted Communities (FAC) through a multifaceted approach that includes physical measures like home hardening and defensible space, as well as prevention, planning and education.

“Creating a Fire Adapted Community with your neighbors empowers property owners to play a role in changing the narrative around preventing property loss and increasing safety,” said Leona Allen, Fire Adapted Community and Firewise Leader. “The process allows neighbors to enhance the health of their environment, protect our neighborhoods, and build stronger community bonds.”

As a resident within the Lake Tahoe Basin, safeguarding your home against potential fire hazards is crucial. The FAC program, facilitated by the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), operates on a neighborhood scale, coordinating efforts to prepare people and property for wildfire. The TFFT improves forest health and our community’s safety by implementing priority fuel reduction projects such as thinning trees and conducting prescribed burns throughout the region.

“This work to protect communities cannot be completed by local agencies and fire districts alone. Significant community engagement and volunteerism is crucial within Fire Adapted Communities,” said Michelle McLean, Outreach Coordinator, Tahoe RCD.

Neighborhood Leaders play a pivotal role in FAC, rallying their neighbors to work together in preparing for wildfire. Their activities include;

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 16, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) members including North Lake Tahoe, North Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry, and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, will continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke may be present throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

With the recent snowfall and more on the way, it is a good reminder to be aware of avalanche potential and educate yourself on pre-emptive steps to take before going outside to recreate.

In our community, we have two historical avalanche zones, one in Third Creek drainage (terrain above upper Jennifer St., Sutro, Bidwell, Lunar, and Mercury Courts) and one in Crystal Bay (terrain above Lakeview Ave., Tuscarora Rd., and Teresa Court). But avalanches can occur anywhere when the right conditions exist.

When avalanche conditions warrant an alert notification, residents can expect a notification from Washoe County Emergency Management via a reverse telephone notification called Code Red. To receive these notifications (and other alert notifications), register at Washoe County Alerts & Warnings.

Do not travel in the backcountry unless:

• You know where and why avalanches occur.
• You have checked the avalanche forecast in our region. Visit the Sierra Avalanche Center.
• You carry rescue gear and know how to use it.
• You have learned to recognize the five red flags of an avalanche.
• At the very least, take an avalanche awareness course. Seriously consider taking an avalanche rescue course. Local education providers can be found here.
• For avalanche information for our region, visit Washoe County Advisories – Avalanche.

Remember, the best tip is to “Know Before You Go,” the avalanche danger rating is only a starting point. You control your own risk by choosing where, when, and how you travel. See this clip from our recent interview with KPIX-TV CBS affiliate in San Francisco. 

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 8, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) including North Lake Tahoe, North Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, will continue burning slash piles this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke from these operations may be present throughout the Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Are you ready for the New Year? What are some things you can do to be more prepared for what life may bring?

Things like:

Alert Notifications – are you registered?

Knowing that you are prepared for an emergency can help you and your family stay calm, act effectively, and save lives. Work together. Learn about risks. Communicate. Stay informed and register for alert notifications in your county. Also prepare an emergency kit and make an evacuation plan.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 2, 2024 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) including North Lake Tahoe and North Tahoe fire protection districts and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, will resume prescribed burning this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke from these operations may be present throughout the Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. View smoke management tips and the current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together and enjoy the season’s festivities.

Following a few simple tips will help to ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires:

• Keep trees watered and away from all heat sources including fireplaces, stoves, and room/space heaters.
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.”
• When the tree becomes dry, promptly discard it. Please consider using the Free Holiday Tree Recycling This service will be available from December 22^nd through January 29^th, 2023.
• Please note – the new location for tree drop-off is the overflow parking lot across from Incline Beach.

Visit www.yourtahoeplace.com/publicworks or call 775-832-1203.

Contact: Jeff Cowen, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  (775) 589-5278 

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada – Tahoe’s trees are now draped in snow, and wildfire is not top of mind for most people. The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), however, is taking action year-round to protect lives, property, and the environment within the Lake Tahoe Basin from wildfire. This collaborative group was formed in 2008 and includes 21 federal, tribal, state, and local conservation, land management, and fire agencies.

“One of the most important ways that we improve forest health and our community’s safety is by implementing priority fuel reduction projects such as thinning trees and conducting prescribed burns,” says North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection Division Chief Isaac Powning, Incident Commander of the TFFT.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Dec. 11, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) including South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, Nevada Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will continue prescribed burning this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke from these operations may be present throughout the Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. View smoke management tips and current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycling nutrients back into the soil and reducing the spread of insects and disease.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Dec. 5, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue widespread prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke from these operations may be present throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. View smoke management tips and current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/USDA Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire. Please keep in mind the following units are on hold or complete and in patrol status, which means firefighters are patrolling and mopping up to reduce smoke impacts to communities: Sherlock, Diamond Peak, Lily Lake 1001, Fallen Leaf Units 172/116, and Toads 34.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil, and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

As the temperature drops outside and we think about using our fireplaces and heating stoves, it is important to remember some safety tips and precautions. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment and improper ash disposal are leading causes of home fires during the fall and winter months.

Be warm and safe this season and consider following these safety tips:

• Have heating equipment, chimney, and stove inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep every fall just before the heating season.
• Allow ashes to COOL before disposing of them. Four days or 96 hours is the minimum recommended cooling period for ashes.
• Place completely cooled ashes in a covered metal container. Keep the container at least 10 feet away from the home and other buildings. They should NEVER be disposed of in a plastic garbage box or can, a cardboard box, or paper grocery bag. Never use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes.
• The metal container should be placed away from anything flammable. It should not be placed next to a firewood pile, up against or in the garage, on or under a wood deck, or under a porch.
• After sitting for a week in the metal container, check them again to be sure that they are cool. If so, the ashes are safe to dispose of in your trash.
• As a safety precaution keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a fireplace, wood stove, or any other heating appliance, and create a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires. It is important to ensure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying, and never leave a fire unattended, particularly when children are present.

It is important to ensure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying, and never leave a fire unattended, particularly when children are present.

To obtain a free ash can, Incline Village/Crystal Bay, NV residents may fill out an application.  If the required criteria are met, an ash can will be provided. Inside each ash can, residents will find the instructional flyer on how to properly dispose of fireplace ashes. Ash cans will be provided to qualifying residents on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Fire has been a natural part of the Lake Tahoe landscape for thousands of years. These fires were low-intensity, frequent, and created an open forest canopy that supported forest health and a balanced eco system. Prior to 1870 and the European-American settlement, much of the Lake Tahoe Basin burned on average every 5 to 18 years. Things changed drastically when intense logging during the Comstock era in the late 1800s clear cut the entire Lake Tahoe Basin and left the forest decimated. While the forests grew back over the next 100 years, they grew in an unnaturally thick and even-aged state and by 2007, Tahoe’s forests were in a state of emergency. Years of fire suppression, hazardous fuels accumulation, drought, and a warming climate have made Lake Tahoe’s forests extremely vulnerable to catastrophic wildfire.

Additionally, homes and communities have been inserted into Tahoe’s wildfire fuel landscape, furthering the complexity of the situation.

So why do we conduct prescribed fire operations? In short, to pick up where we interrupted mother nature in the1800s. We have a lot of ground to cover from suppressing the natural frequent fires that occurred thousands of years ago, but we have learned that mother nature knows best, and this is the best way to effectively reduce the threat of catastrophic, high intensity fires that now threaten our landscape. We also use other methodologies in tandem with prescribed fire such as manual thinning, logging, and mastication when possible.

In 2007, one of the most destructive fires in Tahoe’s history, the Angora Fire, destroyed 254 homes and structures within hours. Stoked by strong winds and overgrown forests with hazardous fuels, this fire burned 3,100 acres before being fully contained. This fire was the impetus to the Emergency Bi-State Fire Commission being formed. Collaborative efforts with federal, state and local stakeholders, the first Multi-Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy was created as a guiding document to reduce the risk of catastrophic fire and protect the social and ecological values in the Lake Tahoe Basin. This new ten year ‘strategy’ was essentially a compilation of the Community Wildfire Protection Plans from the local Tahoe Basin fire districts, the Wildland Urban Interface Plan, and the 2007 USFS Fireshed Assessment.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.             

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Nov. 13, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. Recent precipitation and low temperatures have provided ideal conditions and opportunities for firefighters to burn in multiple locations. Smoke from these operations may be present throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin. View smoke management tips and current air quality index at AirNow and the U.S. EPA/Forest Service Fire and Smoke Map. To be added to the prescribed fire notification list, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. California Tahoe Conservancy, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit are scheduled to continue burning this week in numerous locations. View the prescribed fire map with project details and locations at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Forest Service firefighters completed burning piles on 160 acres near Watson Creek on the North Shore that will help prevent future severe wildfires near those communities. No further ignitions will take place in those areas, and we anticipate significant air quality improvement over the next several days due to a predicted trend of winds moving back into the area.

Historically, low-intensity wildfires ignited by lightning or native peoples routinely burned through fire-adapted ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada. These low-intensity fires burned at low temperatures and moved slowly across the ground removing forest debris such as pinecones, needles, limbs, dead and downed trees, and ladder fuels. Watch the Forest Service video for an in-depth explanation of low-intensity fire. Prescribed fires are meant to mimic these naturally occurring low-intensity fires that are essential to fire-adapted ecosystems. 

As the colder temperatures and precipitation approach, it is time to prepare to winterize your surroundings and vehicles to stay safe and comfortable.

Here is a checklist to ensure you are well-prepared for the winter season:

Home Preparedness Tips:

• Test smoke alarms/carbon monoxide (CO) alarms regularly in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home.
• Keep flashlights, battery-powered lighting, and fresh batteries on hand.
• Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Schedule a professional inspection and servicing for your furnace.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional to prevent chimney fires.
• Look out for your neighbors and offer assistance to those who may require help.
• Remind children to avoid downed wires and report them to the authorities.
• Keep a covered metal container for the disposal of cooled ashes. Residents may request a free ash can by filling out an application available at the Fire District Administration Office, 866 Oriole Way, Incline Village. Visit our website for more information on our Ash Can program.

Travel Tips:

• Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including a blanket, change of clothes, flashlight, food, and water.
• Ensure your cell phone is charged and carry it with you.
• Have an ice scraper and snow brush on hand.
• Maintain a full gas tank for emergency situations.
• Check weather updates from the national weather service, state department of transportation, or local media before traveling.

Helpful Contact Phone Numbers/Websites:

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Oct. 23, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue fall prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks at Lake Tahoe, conditions and weather permitting. California State Parks is scheduled to continue understory burning at Burton Creek and Sugar Pine Point state parks. California Tahoe Conservancy/Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District are scheduled to begin burning piles near Crystal Bay. North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District is scheduled to continue understory burning near Incline Village. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is scheduled to continue burning piles on Angora Ridge near Fallen Leaf Lake. Smoke will be present. For the current air quality index, visit AirNow and view the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Historically, low-intensity wildfires ignited by lightning or native peoples routinely burned through fire-adapted ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada. These low-intensity fires burned at low temperatures and moved slowly across the ground removing forest debris such as pinecones, needles, limbs, dead and downed trees, and ladder fuels. Watch the Forest Service video for an in-depth explanation of low-intensity fire. Prescribed fires are meant to mimic these naturally occurring low-intensity fires that are essential to fire-adapted ecosystems. 

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

We would like to thank our community for attending our Emergency Preparedness & Evacuation Forum on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. We appreciate your time and support.

If you were unable to attend in person or remotely, please click HERE for meeting recap.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                               

October 18, 2023         

Meghin Delaney, Media Relations Manager 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

The last day to request chipping and defensible space inspections for the 2023 season is October 29, 2023. To make your online request visit nltfpd.org.

To service all remaining requests for defensible space inspections and chipping in a timely manner and prior to potential inclement weather approaching, the last day to request chipping and defensible space inspections is Sunday, October 29, 2023. However, the Fire District will continue defensible space inspections for construction projects as weather permits. The October 29th closing deadline will allow the Fire District time to complete the last requests for the 2023 season.

For chipping requests, please remember that the pile must be curbside and not exceed 20 feet in length, 6 feet in height, and 6 feet in width. Branch diameter cannot exceed 6 inches, and no stumps, roots, garbage, nails, or finished lumber.

To date, the Fire District has completed 651 defensible space inspections and 194 chipping requests resulting in 864 cubic yards of biomass for the 2023 season.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Oct. 16, 2023 – If conditions and weather are favorable for burning, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue fall prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks at Lake Tahoe. California State Parks is scheduled to continue understory burning through the week at Burton Creek State Park beginning Oct. 17, 2023, and Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 at Sugar Pine Point State Park. North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District is scheduled to begin understory burning on Oct. 23, through Oct. 30. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is scheduled to continue burning piles near Fallen Leaf Lake Road, Tahoe Mountain Road, Meyers, and Camp Richardson through Oct. 20. Smoke will be present. For the current air quality index, visit AirNow and view the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Historically, low-intensity wildfires ignited by lightning or native peoples routinely burned through fire-adapted ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada. These low-intensity fires burned at low temperatures and moved slowly across the ground removing forest debris such as pinecones, needles, limbs, dead and downed trees, and ladder fuels. Watch the Forest Service video for an in-depth explanation of low-intensity fire. Prescribed fires are meant to mimic these naturally occurring low-intensity fires that are essential to fire-adapted ecosystems. 

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing fuels that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease.

The Fire Prevention Week theme this year “Cooking Safety Starts with You. Pay Attention to Fire Prevention.,” is a good reminder for all of us to practice fire safety when cooking” said Fire Marshal John James, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD).

NLTFPD offers these key safety tips:

1. Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking and set a timer if needed.
2. Turn pot handles to the side or back of the stove to avoid unnecessary spills and potentially, burns from hot food. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn the burner off.
3. Have a “kid and pet free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared.

NLTFPD will be hosting station tours for our elementary school students this month focusing on cooking and home fire safety.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Oct. 10, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue fall prescribed fire operations this week, conditions and weather permitting. California State Parks is scheduled to continue understory burning through Oct. 20, 2023, in Burton Creek and Sugar Pine Point state parks and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit may continue burning piles on Angora Ridge near Fallen Leaf Lake and on Echo Summit near Echo Lakes through Oct. 13. Smoke will be present. For the current air quality index, visit AirNow and view the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Historically, low-intensity wildfires ignited by lightning or native peoples routinely burned through fire-adapted ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada. These low-intensity fires burned at low temperatures and moved slowly across the ground removing forest debris such as pinecones, needles, limbs, dead and downed trees, and ladder fuels. Watch the Forest Service video for an in-depth explanation of low-intensity fire. Prescribed fires are meant to mimic these naturally occurring low-intensity fires that are essential to fire-adapted ecosystems. 

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

With the arrival of moisture, higher humidity, and winter weather conditions; effective Monday, October 9, 2023, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District has lifted the suspension of the use of solid-fuel and charcoal barbeques that has been in place in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada.

In addition, effective October 9, 2023, outdoor burning is permissible. Permits for open burning of pine needles, slash piles, construction warming fires, and recreational fire pits are available Monday through Friday, free of charge. Please call 775-831-0351, ext. 8107 to schedule an inspection and obtain a permit. Visit our website for more information.

Guidelines for open burning are:

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Sep. 25, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to begin fall prescribed fire operations today, Sep. 25, 2023. If conditions and weather are favorable, California State Parks may conduct understory burning over the next three weeks in Burton Creek and Sugar Pine Point state parks and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit may begin burning piles on Angora Ridge near Fallen Leaf Lake. Smoke will be present. For the current air quality index, visit AirNow and view the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Historically, low-intensity wildfires ignited by lightning or native peoples routinely burned through fire-adapted ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada. These low-intensity fires burned at low temperatures and moved slowly across the ground removing forest debris such as pinecones, needles, limbs, dead and downed trees, and ladder fuels. Watch the Forest Service video for an in-depth explanation of low-intensity fire. Prescribed fires are meant to mimic these naturally occurring low-intensity fires that are essential to fire-adapted ecosystems. 

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

NV Energy to Continue Resilience Corridors Project Work Near Kings Beach and Incline Village Using Helicopter

Work to begin next week in Northern Nevada

NV Energy will be continuing work related to the NV Energy Resilience Corridors Project and the Natural Disaster Protection Plan by removing hazard trees and ground vegetation in the area northeast of Kings Beach and west of Incline Village in Northern Nevada, beginning on or about September 26 and continuing for approximately 3 weeks. The work is aimed at protecting the community and NV Energy’s infrastructure from the increased risk of wildfires and other natural disasters.

Due to the location of the work, a helicopter will be used as heavy logging equipment is unable to access the steep and unstable terrain. Beginning on or about September 26, customers and visitors to the areas can expect to see the helicopter working overhead. There are no anticipated power outages during this work. Intermittent road and trail closures will occur in the area. Visitors and drivers in the area can expect to see logging trucks along the northern extent of Beaver Street, Speckled Avenue, State Route 267, and State Route 28.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Sep. 19, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) fall-prescribed fire program may begin as early as Monday, Sep. 25, 2023. If conditions and weather are favorable, California State Parks is scheduled to conduct understory burning on approximately 80 acres over the next three weeks in Burton Creek and Sugar Pine Point state parks and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit may begin burning piles near Fallen Leaf Lake. Smoke will be present. For the current air quality index, visit AirNow and view the prescribed fire map with project details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Historically, low-intensity wildfires ignited by lightning or native peoples routinely burned through fire-adapted ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada. These low-intensity fires burned at low temperatures and moved slowly across the ground removing forest debris such as pinecones, needles, limbs, dead and downed trees, and ladder fuels. Watch the Forest Service video for an in-depth explanation of low-intensity fire. Prescribed fires are meant to mimic these naturally occurring low-intensity fires that are essential to fire-adapted ecosystems. 

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation (fuels) and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests through pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area.

We are excited to welcome DJ Stanton to our North Lake Tahoe Fire family!

DJ was a member of the Rifle Peak hand crew last year. At the end of the fire season, he made the commitment to go to paramedic school. He attended Truckee Meadows Community College last fall and completed his internship with Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue.

DJ lives in Reno with his dog Symba and enjoys anything outdoors. In the summer he likes to hike, golf and rumor has it he plays a mean game of cornhole. In the winter you can find him skiing and snowboarding.

Welcome, Ben, we are so happy you’ve joined our North Lake Tahoe Fire family!

Ben lives in Truckee, California with his wife Arica, and his Australian pup, Emmie. He attended Chico State University and majored in Geography. Ben worked with our Rifle Peak hand crew in 2017 for two years before attending the Butte Fire Academy in 2019.

Soon after finishing the fire academy in 2019, Ben was brought on with the Penn Valley Fire Department for his internship and concurrently attended Paramedic School at NCTI in Roseville, California.

Starting Monday, September 11, 2023, through Friday, September 15, NV Energy will be conducting hazardous fuels reduction work in the area of upper Tunnel Creek Road.

Expect vehicle traffic traveling up and down Tunnel Creek Rd., Monday, September 11, 2023, through Friday, September 15, 2023.

There will also be hazardous fuels reduction work on the south side of Ski Way, above the Diamond Peak parking lot (behind the ski lodge), and helicopter activity with intermittent trail closures.

Since 2003, September has been celebrated as National Preparedness Month. Disasters and emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time, and now is the time to prepare.

This year's theme, “Take Control in 1, 2, 3,” highlights the importance of preparation by taking three essential steps - assess your needs, create a plan, and engage your support network:

1. Assess your needs and make a plan
2. Assemble a Kit
3. Stay Informed and engage your support network

If you have these three components in place you will be able to navigate an emergency much quicker with less stress.

We are extremely excited to welcome Richard Templeman to our North Lake Tahoe Fire family!

Richard comes to us with 11 years of experience as a paramedic. Starting out as an EMT in 2010, he then attended paramedic school in Flagstaff, Arizona, and took his first job as a critical care paramedic in Louisiana. He has experience as a critical care paramedic in Texas, Arizona, and most recently Reno, Nevada with REMSA/Care Flight.

Richard lives in Sparks Nevada with his wife Michelle, two boys, Hank the pup, and Jacopa the cat. He enjoys jiu-jitsu and everything outdoors including trail running and hiking.

Incline Village, NV – This Labor Day weekend keep safety in mind as you enjoy the last days of summer while recreating outdoors.

Although the temperatures are trending a bit lower, we are still under fire restrictions in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada which means no burning of wood or charcoal. Propane or gas barbeques that meet the clearances per manufacturer recommendations are allowed. All forms of open flame are prohibited during red flag warning conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) Reno issues Red Flag Warnings to alert land management officials and fire agencies when the potential of critical weather that could lead to wildfire activity. We urge our citizens to check the weather before participating in outdoor activities.

A lake wind advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, September 1st for Lake Tahoe.

Some water safety reminders:

Incline Village, NV - The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is warning of an increased risk of water rescues at Lake Tahoe due to the cold water temperatures. The water temperature at Lake Tahoe is currently 67 degrees, which is considered cold water. Cold water can quickly lead to cold water shock, swim failure, and hypothermia, which can be deadly.

“We have already responded to several water rescues this summer,” said NLTFPD Fire Chief Ryan Sommers. “We want to remind everyone to be aware of the dangers of cold water and to take precautions to stay safe.”

Here are some water safety tips for Lake Tahoe:

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) responded to a report of a medical rescue at Bonsai Rock. While our paramedics attended to the patient a drowning occurred at the same beach. M12 responded to transport the first patient while E11, M11 crews hiked down to the drowning victim and took over resuscitation initiated by bystanders.

The drowning victim was transported on a Nevada Department of Wildlife boat to Sand Harbor with our crews resuscitating the patient. The patient was transported by CalStar 6 to Renown Medical Center.

Coordinated efforts like this are only possible by regional response design. A trained and educated public, with early recognition and activation of the emergency response system, providing timely, coordinated care. We would like to thank all our agency partners for their assistance and support: WCSO, Marine 6, USCG, NDOW, Nevada State Parks and CalStar 6.

We are excited to welcome Paul Jones, our new mechanic, to the NLTFPD family!

Paul comes to us with a wealth of experience, having served as the Shop Foreman at the Department of Defense base in Stead, NV for the past 5 years. He is also a First Sergeant with the 609th Combat Engineer Company in Fallon, NV, and has been deployed to Afghanistan, Poland, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti.

Paul is a highly skilled mechanic with a passion for his work. He is also a dedicated family man who enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, three children, and St. Berdoodle, Pongo. Paul is a country music fan and loves playing the drums with his daughter.

Summer is in full swing, and at the North Lake Tahoe Fire District, we're here to help you lower the risk of wildfires affecting your property. Take advantage of our three amazing programs to enhance your fire safety with ease!

1. Claim Your Free Chipping Services:

Click the link below to schedule your free chipping service: https://reserve.chipperday.com/northlaketahoe

Hurry! Chipping requests are addressed on a first-come, first-served basis. Although our crews are actively responding to wildfires, we promise to get to your chipping pile as soon as possible. Let's work together to maintain these essential free services!

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., July 17, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe. If conditions and weather are favorable, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit may continue burning piles at Spring Creek near South Lake Tahoe today, July 17, 2023. Prescribed fire ignitions typically begin at 10 a.m. and smoke will be present. For current air quality and smoke information, visit AirNow. View the project map with locations and details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests including pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire across the ground to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area. Prescribed fires are meant to mimic naturally occurring fire, which is an essential part of many different ecosystems, and produces fire behavior and fire characteristics required to attain resource management objectives.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease.

Make a plan, assemble a kit, and stay informed – these are key components of emergency preparedness.

Washoe County Emergency Management, in collaboration with the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, and community partners, will be conducting an evacuation drill in the Second Creek area of Incline Village, NV. The purpose of this exercise is to test the effectiveness of the Regional Evacuation, Shelter, and Mass Care Plan in response to a simulated wildland fire west of the 2nd Creek neighborhood.

The evacuation drill will take place on August 16, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Residents and local businesses in the designated area are encouraged to participate in the drill and familiarize themselves with the evacuation procedures.

During the drill, residents may receive alerts on their cell phones. If individuals are not already registered to receive emergency alerts, they can visit www.readywashoe.com to register and ensure they stay informed during emergencies.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., July 10, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe. Conditions and weather permitting, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is scheduled to burn piles at Spring Creek near South Lake Tahoe beginning today, July 10, 2023. Prescribed fire ignitions typically begin at 10 a.m. and smoke will be present. For current air quality and smoke information, visit AirNow. View the project map with locations and details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to remove excess vegetation and reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests including pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire across the ground to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area. Prescribed fires are meant to mimic naturally occurring fire, which is an essential part of many different ecosystems, and produces fire behavior and fire characteristics required to attain resource management objectives.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease.

Contact(s):  Kim George This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  530-542-6037 South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Wildfire preparedness and defensible space are buzzword terms especially around springtime and throughout the warm seasons.  The Caldor Fire demonstrated the reality of fire threat in Tahoe and the burn scar is a regular reminder.  Additionally, we are facing growing challenges caused by the changing climate. 

As our seasons seem to be warmer and windier, the fire threat increases.  As we’ve seen over the last several years the0 trend is wildland fires becoming larger, more erratic and more costly.  In recent years, it has become common for fires to become ‘complex fires’, meaning 2 or more fires meeting becoming a massive event i.e. the Dixie Fire. 

In 2022, an estimated 1.2 billion dollars were spent to mitigate wildfires in California (2023, Statista.com).  While the threat of fire is significant there is plenty of work that can be done to mitigate that threat.  There are ways to protect your property from wildfire and give your home and your community the best possible potential for survival through a firestorm.  Wildfire awareness and preparedness is essential because all of Lake Tahoe is in the wildfire urban interface. 

To prevent dangerous wildfires and injuries, the use of fireworks and solid fuels is forbidden. Effective from June 26, 2023, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District has imposed summer fire restrictions until further notice. These restrictions include a complete ban on the use of fireworks and solid fuels, including but not limited to sparklers, snakes, firecrackers, rockets and charcoal and wood. Please be aware that this restriction also applies to the charcoal grilling areas in IVGID parks and beaches. By complying with these regulations, we can minimize fire hazards and ensure the safety of our community.

Please note that federal and state lands campfire restrictions may differ. Check the local fire restrictions pertinent to your location.

This is also a reminder during Red Flag Warnings, all sources of outdoor open flame, including gas fire pits/grills and pellet grills/smokers are prohibited.

Summer fire restrictions will be in effect June 26, 2023, for the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District serving the communities of Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada, until further notice. Fire restrictions prohibit the use of solid fuel, which includes charcoal and wood. This also applies to the IVGID parks and beach charcoal grilling areas.

Please note that federal and state lands campfire restrictions may differ. Check the local fire restrictions pertinent to your location.

This is also a reminder during Red Flag Warnings, all sources of outdoor open flame, including gas fire pits/grills and pellet grills/smokers are prohibited.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Reno issues Red Flag Warnings to alert land management officials and fire agencies when the potential of critical weather that could lead to wildfire activity. We urge our citizens to check the weather before participating in outdoor activities.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., June 15, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) is scheduled to resume prescribed fire operations next week at Lake Tahoe. Conditions and weather permitting, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is scheduled to burn piles on the east side of Fallen Leaf Lake beginning Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Ignitions typically begin at 10 a.m. and smoke will be present. For current air quality, visit AirNow. For details, view the project map at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests including pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire across the ground to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area. Prescribed fires are meant to mimic naturally occurring fire, which is an essential part of many different ecosystems, and produces fire behavior and fire characteristics required to attain resource management objectives.

Our annual Summer Water Safety Program was a great success at Sand Harbor – Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Thank you to our agency partners, IVIGD Recreation Center – Aquatics, for their support with lifeguard and water safety instruction, and thank you to Nevada State Park for allowing us to continue our program by moving it to Sand Harbor Beach. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Raley’s at Incline for donating the food for the barbeque lunch.

This program has been taught for over 27 years, focusing on water, boating, and sun safety topics geared toward our 3^rd – 5^th grade elementary school students. It is taught at the end of the school year in hopes that students will remember this life-saving information as they head for the beach and lake to recreate over the summer.

We wish all our students, teachers, and faculty a safe and enjoyable summer!

FIRE ASIDE IS A SOFTWARE PLATFORM THAT SUPPORTS FIRE AGENCIES AND FIRE SAFE COUNCILS IN THEIR MISSION TO HELP COMMUNITIES ADAPT TO WILDFIRE.

Incline Village, NV (June 2023) North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District has implemented Fire Aside’s Defensible Space Evaluation (DSI) software as part of an expanded commitment to improve residents’ wildfire resilience, funded by Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation.

Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity that is dedicated to supporting the Tahoe region, and its Tahoe Fire Safe Initiative was created to fund fire prevention strategies in the Tahoe Basin, focusing on people and property.  “Fire prevention and safety remains one of the Community Foundation’s top priorities,” says the Community Foundation’s CEO Claudia Andersen. “The Fire Aside software directly addresses the mission of our Tahoe Fire Safe Initiative and is an important way for us to invest in the safety of our community now and into the future.”

June 1, 2023

Contact: Tia Rancourt                                                                                        

Public Education/Information Officer             

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District                                      

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Contact: Zip Upham

RENO, Nevada, May 22, 2023  – Washoe County Emergency Management, in collaboration with North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, City of Sparks,  City of Reno, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, and Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, is rolling out a new public safety map that will help residents identify the location of current large-scale emergencies, evacuation areas and road closures.

Perimeter is a new mapping software that allows first-responders to enter incident locations and draw a perimeter around evacuation zones or map road closures, and instantly share with the public.

This does not replace the alert notification system that residents have signed up for, but rather provides more comprehensive and up-to-date information as part of the alert. A link will come through in the alert and individuals can simply visit the public map here and see if they are in an affected area.

In step with the Lake Tahoe Multi-Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy, the Lake Tahoe Multi-Agency Coordinating Group and Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team are in the process of updating the 2015 Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). This basin-wide guiding document serves as the operating strategy and platform for fuels reduction and mitigation work in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

As one of the Tahoe Basin communities, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District along with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, is hosting a public stakeholder meeting on June 1^st to gather community input to contribute to the development of the 2023 CWPP. The meeting will be held in our training room at 863 Tanager Street, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please join us to learn more and give your input.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., May 15, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe. Conditions and weather permitting, the Nevada Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit are scheduled to continue burning piles along the East Shore beginning today, May 15, 2023. Smoke will be present. For current air quality, visit AirNow. View the project map with locations and details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease.

Spring typically experiences cooler temperatures and precipitation, which are ideal for conducting prescribed fires. Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, which considers smoke dispersal conditions, temperature, humidity, wind, and vegetation moisture. All this information is used to decide when and where to burn. 

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., May 9, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe. Conditions and weather permitting, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit are scheduled to continue burning piles along the East Shore beginning today, May 9, 2023. Smoke will be present. For current air quality, visit AirNow. View the project map with locations and details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease.

Spring typically experiences cooler temperatures and precipitation, which are ideal for conducting prescribed fires. Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, which considers smoke dispersal conditions, temperature, humidity, wind, and vegetation moisture. All this information is used to decide when and where to burn. 

Celebrated nationally during the third week of May, this special week acknowledges the outstanding services performed by our first responders nationwide “Our front line personnel are truly where emergency services and care begin, and we would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank them for their service” said Fire Chief Ryan Sommers.

This year’s theme, “Where Emergency Care Begins” recognizes our first responders who provide emergency medical services in our communities across the country. This 48th annual event brings together local communities and medical personnel acknowledging our first responders not just during this week, but every day as they rise to the challenge of every call.

Whether in populated cities, small villages or less populated rural areas, these individuals answer the 911 call no matter what or where the circumstances.

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) will be celebrating National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week at the Incline Elementary School over the next few weeks conducting ambulance tours with the students, educating them about the Emergency Medical System, how to recognize a medical emergency, the importance of calling 911, as well as safety and prevention tips.

Agencies Seek Feedback on Community Wildfire Protection Plan 

Contact(s):

Jeff Cowen, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (775) 589-5278

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District is gearing up for fire and fuels reduction activities for the 2023 season.

The District will begin conducting defensible space evaluations and curbside chipping services on May 15, 2023. For more information on these services and to register online, visit www.nltfpd.org.

For curbside yard debris collection dates and information, visit https://www.yourtahoeplace.com/events/yard-waste-collection

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District will be hosting a Community Blood Drive Friday, May 5, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the main fire station located at 875 Tanager Street.“Because of you, life doesn’t stop.” Donate blood on Friday, May 5^th.

Food and beverages will be provided courtesy of the Hyatt Regency Resort, Spa & Casino and Mofo’s Pizza.

To make an appointment, please call 877-258-4825 (877-25-VITAL) or visit www.donors.vitalant.org

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., April 24, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe. Conditions and weather permitting, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit are scheduled to burn piles along the East Shore beginning today, April 24, 2023. Ignitions typically begin around 10 a.m. and smoke will be present. For current air quality, visit AirNow. View the project map with locations and details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease.

With the healthy amount of snow and precipitation we received this winter, fire restrictions remain lifted and open public burning is allowed in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada, until further notice.

Please note that on Red Flag Days, no open flame of any kind is allowed. Visit our website for fire weather and burn status.

Permits for open burning of pine needles, slash pile, construction warming fires, and recreational fire pits are available Monday through Friday, free of charge. Please call 775-831-0351, ext. 8107 to schedule an inspection and obtain a permit. Visit our website for more information.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., April 19, 2023 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is scheduled to burn hand piles on the East Shore today, April 19, 2023. Ignitions typically begin around 10 a.m. and smoke will be present. For current air quality, visit AirNow. View the project map with locations and details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil, and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., April 10, 2023 – If conditions remain favorable, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will resume prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe. The Nevada Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit are scheduled to burn hand piles on the East Shore beginning tomorrow, April 11, 2023. Ignitions typically begin around 10 a.m. and smoke will be present. For current air quality, visit AirNow. View the project map with locations and details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease.

As emergency responders, staying safe on the job is our number one priority. With our mission to “Protect Life and Property through efficient delivery of quality community services”, the safety of our personnel is critical to perform our job at the highest level for our citizens and community.

This week we have had the opportunity to train and learn from the experts at Sustainable Workplace Alliance along with Flyers Fuel Transport, learning about fuel tanker rollover incidents and how to properly assess, respond to, and mitigate these types of incidents. This hands-on instruction is an effective way to inform personnel about safety and unique compliance needs related to these types of incidents. The technical knowledge and hands-on learning structure provide a comprehensive platform that will help to guide and protect our first responders on a daily basis.

We are also happy to have some of our neighboring fire districts, North Tahoe Fire, Northstar Fire, and Truckee Fire, join us for this important training.

The winter that keeps on giving is still alive and well! While we are hoping with the official arrival of Spring yesterday that we will see the sun more than snow, until then, “Know Before You Throw.”

Taking advantage of breaks between storms is the best opportunity for snow clearing preparations.

Quick Tip Reminders:

• Look up! Snow accumulations can fall and harm/kill you, depending on their size. Clear roofs of excessive snow and ice buildup, being careful not to damage vents and electrical supplies to the building. Clearing the roof can be dangerous so residents are advised to leave this work to professionals (see OHSA Safety Advisory here).

• Be aware that a roof may collapse with little or no warning. The following warning signs could indicate that you have a danger of roof collapse. You should immediately evacuate the building and notify your local building official, fire department, or contact a structural engineer to determine if the building is safe if you observe the following:

• severe or new roof leaks.
• cracked or split wood members.
• bends or ripples in metal supports.
• recent cracks in walls, gypboard or masonry.
• cracks in welds of steel construction.
• sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles.
• doors that pop open.
• doors or windows that are difficult to open.
• bowed utility pipes or conduits attached to the ceiling; or creaking, cracking, or popping sounds.

• Look down! Keep all exits clear of snow, so that occupants can escape quickly if a fire, or other emergencies, should occur. Keep in mind that windows should be cleared to allow a secondary means of escape in case the primary means of escape is blocked by fire. Keeping exits clear also allows emergency workers to gain access to your building.

• Look all around! Keep all chimneys and vents clear to prevent carbon monoxide from backing up into the building. Some vents, such as pellet stove vents, may exit the building through a wall and are susceptible to being blocked by excessive snow buildup.

We have seen a significant increase in gas leaks, Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms, and other hazard-related emergencies resulting from repeated storms and heavy snow.

• Know where your gas meter shed is located and keep it clear. Buildup of snow around natural gas meters and piping, as well as falling ice and snow from rooftops, can create hazards for natural gas customers. Promptly clear snow or ice build-up around meters. Use a broom, not a shovel, whenever possible to avoid causing damage. Keep rooftop areas above natural gas meters and piping clear of ice, icicles and/or falling snow to prevent damage.

• Make sure you have working CO alarms installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test them monthly. If your utility vents are located on the side of your home, make sure to keep them clear as snow accumulation can cause carbon monoxide to back up into the house.

Hopefully following these safety tips will help to alleviate potential winter weather related situations.

With the anticipated warmer weather pattern potentially bringing wet snow and precipitation, sand is available at Washoe County Roads, 625B Mt. Rose Hwy (BYOS, bring your own shovel and, a friend to help!) and we have sandbags at our main fire station, 875 Tanager Street, Incline Village.

After the storm this weekend and another one on the way, which is looking like a warmer wetter pattern, there are concerns about the wet snow and precipitation adding to the snow load on structures.

Please utilize any breaks in storm systems for snow removal including the fire hydrant closest to your home and/or commercial building, gas meter and, roof.

Our crews are out every day shoveling fire hydrants, please help us and #Adopt-A-Hydrant near your home and/or commercial building. By adopting a fire hydrant, you are helping to make our community safer.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., March 6, 2023 – Conditions and weather permitting, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) may resume prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe. The Nevada Division of Forestry is scheduled to burn hand piles near Incline Village beginning tomorrow, March 7, 2023. Smoke will be present. For current air quality, visit AirNow. View the project map with locations and details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management ecological tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease in forests.

Winter typically brings cooler temperatures and precipitation, which are ideal for conducting prescribed fires. Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, which considers smoke dispersal conditions, temperature, humidity, wind, and vegetation moisture. All this information is used to decide when and where to burn. 

With this last storm system and another one on the way this weekend, take advantage of the next few quiet days to regroup and prepare for the next storm system.

Home preparedness tips:

• Make sure you have working smoke alarms installed in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test them monthly.
• Make sure you have working CO alarms installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test them monthly. If your utility vents are located on the side of your home, make sure to keep them clear as snow accumulation can cause carbon monoxide to back up into the house.
• Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency.
• Clear driveway and front walk of ice and snow. This will provide easy access to your home.
• Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, first responders will be able to find you.
• Be ready in case the power goes out. Have flashlights on hand. Also have battery-powered lighting and fresh batteries.
• If you have a portable generator, it should be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from all doors, windows, and vents. Do not run a generator inside your garage, even if the door is open. Do not use a generator in a wet area. This can cause shock or electrocution. Connect appliances to the generator with heavy-duty extension cords. Do not fuel your generator when it is running. Spilling gas on a hot engine can cause a fire.
• Stay aware of winter weather. Listen to the television or radio for updates. Watch for bulletins online.

• Check on your neighbors. Check on others who may need help.
• Stay away from downed wires. Report any downed wires to authorities.
• Be ready if the heat stops working. Use extra layers of clothes and blankets to stay warm. If you use an emergency heat source, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, and keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away.
• Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room and turn them off when you go to bed.
• Know where your gas meter shed is located and keep it clear.
• Have your furnace inspected and serviced by a qualified professional.

• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional. Not cleaning your chimney is the leading cause of chimney fires from built up creosote.
• Have a covered metal container to dispose of cooled ashes. To obtain a free ash can, residents may fill out an application, available at the Fire District Administration Office, 866 Oriole Way, Incline Village. If the required criteria are met, an ash can will be provided. Please visit our website for more information on our Ash Can program.

Sparky the Fire Dog says Look up!

• Snow accumulations can fall and harm/kill you, depending on their size. Clear roofs of excessive snow and ice buildup, being careful not to damage vents and electrical supplies to the building. Clearing the roof can be dangerous so residents are advised to leave this work to professionals.

• Keep all chimneys and vents clear to prevent carbon monoxide from backing up into the building. Some vents, such as pellet stove vents, may exit the building through a wall and are susceptible to being blocked by excessive snow buildup.

• Be aware that a roof may collapse with little or no warning. The following warning signs could indicate that you have a danger of roof collapse. You should immediately evacuate the building and notify your local building official, fire department or contact a structural engineer to determine if the building is safe if you observe the following:

• severe or new roof leaks.
• cracked or split wood members.
• bends or ripples in metal supports
• recent cracks in walls, gypboard or masonry.
• cracks in welds of steel construction.
• sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles.
• doors that pop open.
• doors or windows that are difficult to open.
• bowed utility pipes or conduits attached to the ceiling; or creaking, cracking, or popping sounds.

Look down!

It’s February - National Heart Month, a time when our nation spotlights heart disease, the number one killer in our country.

Did you know?

• Heart attacks can be silent - one in five heart attacks occur without the person even knowing they had one.

• Heart attack symptoms can differ between men and women. Women may experience abdominal pain and epigastric burning, pain in the back, arm, neck, or shoulder; nausea; fatigue; shortness of breath; and vomiting whereas men may experience sweating, pain in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw; shortness of breath; heartburn or indigestion.

• Young women are more likely to die from heart attacks than similarly aged men because they do not recognize the symptoms, so they delay care and treatment.

• Maintaining a healthy diet consisting of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy sources of protein, and minimizing processed foods is one of the best things you can do to support a healthy heart.

You can take an active role in reducing your risk for heart disease by eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and managing your cholesterol and blood pressure. This is a wonderful opportunity to start heart-healthy habits!

• Start a heart-healthy habit - staying active, eating healthy, and watching our weight are all important parts of maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Pick a new heart-healthy habit like jogging or substituting sodas with water and try to stick to it for a whole month.

• Educate yourself – learn about the risk factors for heart disease, the ways you can prevent them, and the lifestyle choices that can help you stay healthy.

• Get your cholesterol evaluated - If you are worried you might be at risk for heart disease, ask your doctor to perform a simple cholesterol test to let you know if you are at risk and should adjust your diet.

While we are focusing on heart health this month, another heart condition to also be aware of is sudden cardiac arrest. Different from a heart attack, which is a circulation problem, causing a blockage or narrowing of the coronary artery and symptoms can include chest pain, fatigue, weakness, nausea, and difficulty breathing, and may occur hours or days before; cardiac arrest is an electrical situation where the heart stops beating abruptly, and symptoms may occur moments before where the individual may have loss of consciousness and collapse, no breathing, no pulse.

Whether you suspect it is cardiac arrest or a heart attack, the first step is always to call 911. Every minute matters!

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 31, 2023 – Conditions and weather permitting, Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) members may continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe. The Nevada Division of Forestry is scheduled to burn hand piles near Incline Village. Smoke will be present. In addition, smoke may still be visible from the USDA Forest Service’s burn operations last week near Baldwin Beach. For current air quality, visit AirNow. View the project map with locations and details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management ecological tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease in forests.

Winter typically brings cooler temperatures and precipitation, which are ideal for conducting prescribed fires. Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, which considers smoke dispersal conditions, temperature, humidity, wind, and vegetation moisture. All this information is used to decide when and where to burn. 

Notice is hereby given that the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District will be accepting bids STARTING February 6, 2023 from 08:00-4:00pm via electronic mail (email), This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All bids shall include name of bidder, contact phone number and contact email address. A confirmation will then be sent back to sender for acknowledgement of the bid.

Bids will be reviewed at 4:30pm, February 13, 2023. The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to wave any irregularity or informality of any bid or bidding.  All bids must meet the minimum bid, specified below. Sale will be made to the highest reasonable bid for cash, lawful money of the United States. All items are accepted “as is” with disclosure of all maintenance records and any known issues. No warranties are implied or expressed.

February 2023 Surplus Equipment Sale

2000 Ford F-350 7.3 Powerstroke 4x4 Reg. Cab Utility Long Bed Dually - 118k Miles

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 23, 2023 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) members may continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe as conditions and weather allow. The Nevada Division of Forestry is scheduled to burn hand piles near Incline Village and the USDA Forest Service may continue operations near Baldwin Beach. Smoke will be present. For current air quality, visit AirNow. View the project map with locations and details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management ecological tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease in forests.

Winter typically brings cooler temperatures and precipitation, which are ideal for conducting prescribed fires. Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, which considers smoke dispersal conditions, temperature, humidity, wind, and vegetation moisture. All this information is used to decide when and where to burn. 

With continued winter weather in the forecast, prepare now!

If you plan on traveling, check the weather, road conditions beforehand, and make sure you have a car winter survival kit. Avoid travel if possible as you may be stuck in your vehicle for several hours. If you must travel, prepare for long delays and make sure your car kit is ready with extra food, water, and clothing.

In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. Low level CO poisoning can often be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, or headaches.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Jan. 4, 2022 – Conditions and weather permitting, the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations at Lake Tahoe. North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District is scheduled to burn piles this week near Incline Village. Smoke will be present. For current air quality, visit AirNow. View the project map with locations and details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management ecological tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease in forests.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                        

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Dec. 19, 2022 – Members of the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) may continue prescribed fire operations this week at Lake Tahoe as conditions and weather allow. Nevada Division of Forestry and North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District are scheduled to burn piles near Incline Village and Spooner Lake. Smoke will be present. For current air quality, visit AirNow. View the project map with locations and details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management ecological tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease in forests.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Dec. 9, 2022 – Conditions and weather permitting, Tahoe Fire & Fuels (TFFT) partners will continue conducting prescribed fire operations around Lake Tahoe. California State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will be burning piles in numerous locations. Smoke will be present. For current air quality, visit AirNow. View the project map with locations and details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management ecological tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease in forests.

Fall and winter typically bring cooler temperatures and precipitation, which are ideal for conducting prescribed fires. Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, which considers smoke dispersal conditions, temperature, humidity, wind, and vegetation moisture. All this information is used to decide when and where to burn. 

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District has over 1000 fire hydrants within our fire jurisdiction. With the recent snowstorm and more on the way, we will be working on clearing fire hydrants.

By Adopting A Hydrant closest to your home or business and keeping it clear of snow and debris you can help to make our community safer. We appreciate the members of our community who already maintain hydrants in their neighborhood and encourage everyone to participate. Please complete the Adopt_A_Hydrant_Form.pdf, attach a photo and email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we can keep track of your contributions and you may qualify for a commemorative NLTFPD holiday ornament!

If you notice a fire hydrant that is not marked with a “FH” pole, please let us know by calling our Fire Prevention Bureau at 775-831-0351, ext. 8107.

If you notice a damaged or leaking fire hydrant, please call Incline Village General Improvement Public Works at 775-832-1203.

With winter officially here, it is a good time to make winter preparations in your home. We hope the following winter weather safety tips help you to be prepared.

Home preparedness tips:

• Make sure you have working smoke alarms installed in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test them monthly.
• Make sure you have working CO alarms installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test them monthly.
• Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency.
• Clear driveway and front walk of ice and snow. This will provide easy access to your home.
• Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, first responders will be able to find you.
• Be ready in case the power goes out. Have flashlights on hand. Also have battery-powered lighting and fresh batteries.
• If you have a portable generator, it should be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from all doors, windows, and vents. Do not run a generator inside your garage, even if the door is open. Do not use a generator in a wet area. This can cause shock or electrocution. Connect appliances to the generator with heavy-duty extension cords. Do not fuel your generator when it is running. Spilling gas on a hot engine can cause a fire.
• Check on your neighbors. Check on others who may need help.
• Stay away from downed wires. Report any downed wires to authorities.
• Be ready if the heat stops working. Use extra layers of clothes and blankets to stay warm. If you use an emergency heat source, follow manufacturer’s guidelines, and keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away.
• Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room and turn them off when you go to bed.
• Know where your gas meter is located and keep it clear.
• Have your furnace inspected and serviced by a qualified professional.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional. Not cleaning your chimney is the leading cause of chimney fires from built up creosote.
• Have a covered metal container to dispose of cooled ashes. To obtain a free ash can, residents may fill out an application, available at the Fire District Administration Office, 866 Oriole Way, Incline Village. If the required criteria are met, an ash can will be provided. Please visit our website for more information on our Ash Can program.

Helpful Contact Phone Numbers/Websites:

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Nov. 28, 2022 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will resume prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin, conditions and weather permitting. California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, Nevada Division of Forestry, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will be burning piles in numerous locations. Smoke will be present. For current air quality, visit AirNow. View the map with project locations and details at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are a vital forest management ecological tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease in forests.

Contact:  Tia Rancourt, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District 775-813-8106

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Nov 18, 2022 – Winter has arrived in the Lake Tahoe Basin along with the holiday season.  Local fire districts and their partners would like to take this opportunity to remind residents and visitors to celebrate safely.

Decorating for the holidays is a tradition in homes all over the world but be sure to decorate safely.  According to NFPA, almost one third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems and more than two of every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Nov. 14, 2022 – Members of the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue conducting prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. If conditions and weather remain favorable, California State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will be burning piles in numerous locations. Smoke will be present. A map with project details is available for viewing at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are an important tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil, and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease in forests.

Fall and winter typically bring cooler temperatures and precipitation, which are ideal for conducting prescribed fires. Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, which considers temperature, humidity, wind, vegetation moisture, and smoke dispersal conditions. All this information is used to decide when and where to burn. 

With the arrival of moisture, higher humidity, and winter weather conditions; effective Monday, November 7^th, 2022, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District has lifted the suspension of the use of solid-fuel and charcoal barbeques that has been in place in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada.

In addition, effective November 7^th, outdoor burning is permissible. Permits for open burning of pine needles, slash pile, construction warming fires, and recreational fire pits are available Monday through Friday, free of charge. Please call 775-831-0351, ext. 8107 to schedule an inspection and obtain a permit. Visit our website for more information.

Guidelines for open burning are:

• Permit is valid for open burning only at the address listed and only for materials authorized
• Permit holder shall visit www.nltfpd.org prior to any burning activity to determine if it is an approved Burn Day
• No open burning is permitted on No Burn Days as determined by the Fire District
• Open burning starts at 6:00am and all piles must be extinguished by 3:00pm
• Provide a thirty-minute fire watch after extinguishing any fire
• Have a charged garden hose and hand tools nearby
• Keep pine needle and slash piles small and manageable
• Fire must be constantly attended by an adult
• Clear a 25-foot radius noncombustible area around all fires
• Keep fires away from any overhanging branches
• Burning of household refuse, trash, cardboard, rubber products, tires, plastic, petroleum, construction debris and other non-vegetative materials is prohibited

Grilling Safety Tips:

All grilling appliances shall be used within manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations. Follow these simple safety tips when using solid-fuel, charcoal, or propane grills.

Contact: Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, Eric Guevin 775-815-0972 and USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898                                   

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Nov. 9, 2022 – As the temperatures drop outside, thoughts turn to cozying up in front of a warm indoor fire. When using fireplaces/wood stoves and heating appliances indoors this winter it’s very important to remember a few safety tips and precautions. Heating equipment and improper ash disposal are leading causes of home and wildland fires during the fall and winter months.

Keep homes warm and safe this season by following these safety tips:

Contact:  Tia Rancourt, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District 775-813-8106

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Nov 1, 2022 – Under the coordination of the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT), and the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District may conduct prescribed fire operations November 7 – 11, 2022, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke will be present. A map with project details is available for viewing at Tahoe Living With Fire.

Prescribed fires are an important tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease in forests.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Oct. 14, 2022 – Under the coordination of the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT), California State Parks is scheduled to continue understory burning next week on approximately eight acres in Sugar Pine Point State Park, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke will be present. A map with project details is available for viewing on the Tahoe Living With Fire website.

Prescribed fires are an important tool used by land managers to help protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed wildland fires. Burning excess vegetation also benefits forest health by making room for new growth which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease in forests.

Fall and winter typically bring cooler temperatures and precipitation, which are ideal for conducting prescribed fires. Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, which considers temperature, humidity, wind, vegetation moisture, and smoke dispersal conditions. All this information is used to decide when and where to burn. 

Prescribed fire managers use different methods to reintroduce low-intensity fire into forests including pile, broadcast, and understory burning. Pile burning involves burning slash piles that are constructed by hand or mechanical equipment. Broadcast and understory burning use low-intensity fire across the ground to remove fuels under specific environmental conditions with fire confined to a predetermined area. Prescribed fires are meant to mimic naturally occurring fire, which is an essential part of many different ecosystems, and produces fire behavior and fire characteristics required to attain resource management objectives.

With Fire Prevention Week in full swing this week, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) would like to remind us about the importance of fire prevention in the home. The theme this year “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape,” is a good reminder that prevention and advanced planning are essential when it comes to your ability to get out of a home quickly during a fire.

It is important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Being prepared in advance saves time when it counts the most, in the event of an actual emergency. 

A working smoke alarm will clue you in that there is a fire, and you need to escape. Fire moves fast. You and your family could have only minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Remember, when you hear a beep, get on your feet! Get out and stay out first, then call 911 from your outside meeting place. Also, if you hear a chirp, make a change – a chirping alarm needs attention, replace the batteries or the entire alarm if it is older than 10 years old. If you do not remember how old it is, replace it.

Having a home fire escape plan will make sure everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds so they know what to do.

• Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

NLTFPD will be hosting station tours for our elementary school students this month focusing on home fire safety, the importance of working smoke alarms and making a home fire escape plan.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron 530-721-3898 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                      

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Sep. 30, 2022 – The Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) fall prescribed fire program may begin as early as Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022. Conditions and weather permitting, California State Parks is scheduled to conduct understory burning on approximately 21 acres in Sugar Pine Point State Park on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore. Smoke will be present. A map with project details is available for viewing on the Tahoe Living With Fire website.

Prescribed fires are an important tool used by land managers to remove excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed wildland fires and help protect communities from extreme wildfires. Burning excess vegetation also makes room for new growth, which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease in forests.

Fall and winter typically bring cooler temperatures and precipitation, which are ideal for conducting prescribed fires. Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, which considers temperature, humidity, wind, vegetation moisture, and smoke dispersal conditions. All this information is used to decide when and where to burn. 

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District responded to a multi-family structure fire this afternoon at 647 Village Boulevard. Upon arrival, there was smoke seen coming from the chimney of unit #1 of the structure. The unit was unoccupied. Fire crews quickly contained the fire to the area of origin on the second floor of unit #1. The cause is under investigation.

Thank you to North Tahoe Fire Protection District, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, Northstar Fire Department, CAL FIRE, and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office for your assistance.

The last day to request defensible space evaluations and chipping services for the 2022 season is October 23, 2022. To make your on-line request visit www.nltfpd.org.

To service all remaining requests for defensible space evaluations and chipping in a timely manner and prior to potential inclement weather approaching, the last day to request chipping and defensible space evaluations is Sunday, October 23, 2022. However, the Fire District will continue Defensible Space Evaluations for construction projects as weather permits. The October 23rd closing deadline will allow the Fire District time to complete the last requests for the 2022 season. 

For Chipping requests, please remember that the pile needs to be curbside and must not exceed 30 feet in length, 6 feet in height, and 6 feet in width. Branch diameter cannot exceed 6 inches, and no stumps, roots, garbage, nails or finished lumber.

To date, the Fire District has completed 900 defensible space evaluations and 300 chipping requests for the 2022 season.

On September 19^th, 2022, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) was awarded as the administrative agency for a federal grant in the amount of $1,771,818.18. This grant is for the replacement of the Regional Fire Department’s self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The AFG program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

This is a regional grant administered by NLTFPD and will be divided between the Carson City Fire Department, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, East Fork Fire Protection District, and Smith Valley Fire Protection District. Each organization will be utilizing the grant to replace self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment due to its fast-approaching operational life expectancy. The departments will soon be equipped with the most up-to-date safety features.

The new SCBA’s will enhance interoperability between the mutual aid partners across Carson City, Washoe, Lyon, and Douglas counties.

NLTFPD Chief Sommers commented saying, “Regional cooperation through integrated communication, training, and equipment interoperability is a keystone in keeping our communities safe. This is an important step for a systems approach to protecting the areas we serve.”

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) will be offering flu vaccinations to individuals over the age of 8 beginning September 16, 2022, for as long as supplies last. Vaccines administered by NLTFPD will be offered at the Fire District’s main station located

at 875 Tanager Street. Walk-ins are welcome. Vaccines will not be available at the Crystal Bay or Mount Rose Stations.

Each vaccine is $40.00, payable by cash, check, or credit card. Please note, if you are a Medicare patient, please visit your primary healthcare provider, Incline Village Community Hospital, or a local grocery or drug store Pharmacy for your vaccine. The Fire District cannot accept Medicare for vaccines.

Please note that our vaccines are only available to individuals 8 years of age and older and that we recommend younger children be taken to their pediatrician. We will not be offering the high-dose version of the vaccine this year. For your convenience, Fire District personnel are available to visit homes or businesses by appointment to administer your vaccine. There is no additional charge for this service however, the $40.00 vaccine fee still applies. To make an appointment, you may call 775-831-0351, ext. 0.

Please wait until any fever, cough, cold, or flu-like symptoms have resolved before coming to see us.

If you recently purchased ducks from the Rotary Club of Incline Village for their 3^rd annual Duck Drop Fundraiser, your contribution is already making a difference!

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) was excited to help support this event once again, and the NLTFPD Local 2139 is incredibly grateful for the generous $1100 donation from Rotary Club of Incline Village that will go to the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation (NNCCF). Making this contribution even more meaningful is that it is being matched for a total of $2200, by the William N. Pennington Foundation.

These funds will help alleviate the financial burden childhood cancer places on northern Nevada families through NNCCF’s Family Assistance Fund which helps with medical expenses such as insurance copays and deductibles, uncovered procedures, medication costs, and other out-of-pocket medical expenses the family may face.

NV Energy and the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District are honored to receive the 2022 “Best In the Basin” Award for “Best Defensible Space and Forest Health” and thank the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board for this distinction. It is through the collaboration of our private, state, and local agencies that projects such as this become a reality. It is supported by the Lake Tahoe Basin’s Multi-Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy, a collaborative plan that provides a framework to treat hazardous fuels and restore and maintain fire resilient landscapes, creating a fuel break or a Potential Control Line (PCL) in the Tahoe Basin.

The 4100 East Shore NVE Resilient Corridor Project is divided into six segments and is approximately 3 miles long. The first two segments have been completed, totaling 37 acres of hand thinning and piling. The treatment includes work in NV Energy’s right-of-way and extends out 175 feet each side of the NV Energy powerline. The treatment consisted of the removal of all vegetation around power poles. In addition, unhealthy, overcrowded, and hazardous trees were also cut and piled. This fuel break will eventually connect to other treatments reaching as far as the Douglas County line.

Contact: Jamie Roice-Gomes, Living With Fire Program Manager  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., August 10, 2022 – As record drought and elevated wildfire conditions persist, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) reminds residents and visitors to develop an evacuation plan for your family and pack a Go-Bag before the next wildfire.

Emergency responders follow carefully designed evacuation plans that consider all factors when implementing evacuation orders. When asked to leave, it’s crucial to evacuate quickly and safely — preparing for evacuation ahead of time is the best way to ensure a safe, successful evacuation. One way to prepare is to pack a Go-Bag.

 “When it comes to evacuation, planning ahead is always a good idea,” said Fire Marshal, Eric Guevin, from Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District. “Be prepared to act fast because time matters, and it could be a matter of life and death or loss of property.”

Choose a Go-Bag(s) that can be easily lifted into your vehicle and has room for necessary items to last a minimum of 72 hours up to two weeks. Rolling suitcases, backpacks, and cloth shopping bags are good choices. Once packed, practice loading the Go-Bags into your vehicle and drive potential evacuation routes with family and pets to ensure you’re prepared and able to evacuate quickly.

Contact:  Eric Guevin, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District 775-588-3591 or Lisa Herron, USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 530-721-3898

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., July 21, 2022 – Fire season is year-round. In the past, wildfires normally occurred in late summer and early fall when temperatures were high, humidity was low and vegetation extremely dry. Local, state, and federal fire managers now know that devastating wildfires can occur any time of year. Over 90 percent of wildfires are caused by people and are completely preventable. Fire prevention education is the key to keeping our communities and forests safe from unwanted wildland fires.

Lake Tahoe Basin, California and Nevada fire restrictions are implemented by fire and land management agencies to help keep our communities and forests safe during conditions that lead to increased wildfire danger. In addition, the National Weather Service (NWS) issues Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches to alert fire departments, fire districts, and the public about critical fire weather conditions that have the potential to cause wildfires to grow rapidly in size and intensity before first responders can contain them. The NWS issues Red Flag Warnings when strong gusty winds combine with very dry air, or when thunderstorms with little to no rainfall are expected. Below is an explanation of the differences between a Fire Weather Watch and a Red Flag Warning. 

• Fire Weather Watch - declared when critical fire weather conditions could develop over the next 2-4 days. A watch is issued when forecasters have reasonable confidence that critical conditions will develop at longer lead times. 
• Red Flag Warning - declared for weather events which may result in critical fire weather conditions that may occur within the next 24-48 hours. A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these conditions, extreme caution is urged because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire.   

During Red Flag conditions in the Lake Tahoe Basin, all open flames including propane are banned to prevent major wildfires from happening.

Contact: Jeff Cowen, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, (775) 589-5278 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., July 20, 2022 – With smoke in the air again, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) are sharing an urgent call to action for Lake Tahoe residents and property owners to create defensible space and to follow a few simple steps if tree removal is needed.

Fire agencies, TRPA, and other water quality agencies are in agreement on all defensible space requirements and have developed simple tree removal guidelines to aid property owners in protecting homes and neighborhoods.

Summer is in full swing here at Lake Tahoe. Whether boating, paddleboarding, swimming, or kayaking on the lake, water safety is particularly important, especially with the colder temperatures. Currently, the water temperature in Lake Tahoe is 61.2 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperature in Lake Tahoe is expected to rise to 66.4°F in the next 10 days. July average water temperature in Lake Tahoe is 65.7°F.

When boating on Lake Tahoe it is recommended to always wear a life jacket. While regulations on life jacket use vary from state to state, the Wear It program promotes boating safely by encouraging boaters to wear life jackets any time they are on a boat, motorized or non-motorized.

The National Safe Boating Council recommends following the “Boating Safety Seven.”

• Wear your life jacket
• Take a boating safety class
• Carry all required safety gear
• Use your engine cut-off switch
• File a float plan
• Be aware of weather and water conditions
• Boat sober, and be considerate of others

Good swimmers still need life jackets. When people fall off a boat, they may become disoriented, injured, or unconscious. Life jackets can keep victims’ heads above water so they can breathe and be rescued more easily. There are many styles of lifejackets, choose the right one for the activities you will be doing. Make sure the life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved and that it fits correctly for your size and weight and is properly fastened. If you are paddle boarding, in addition to wearing a life jacket, please remember to fasten the safety leash to your ankle so you are always attached to the paddle board. In the event of a fall, the paddle board can serve as a floatation device in addition to your life jacket.

Before setting out, be prepared. Check to make sure that all equipment is in good working order. Review a pre-departure checklist and that you have everything you need such as a tool kit and first-aid kit. File a float plan with someone you trust before you leave. Dress properly and bring an extra set of clothes. Remember to wear and bring sunscreen. It is also a good idea to check the weather before heading out. Lake and wind conditions on Lake Tahoe can change rapidly, leading to dangerous conditions for smaller vessels and paddle craft.

Contact:  USDA Forest Service, Lisa Herron (530) 721-3898                                               

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., June 30, 2022 – Fire restrictions are in effect on local, state, and federal lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin. With California and Nevada once again experiencing severe drought conditions and increased wildfire danger, it’s more important than ever to understand and follow these fire restrictions for the safety of our communities and forests.

In a recent seven-year period, more than 350 wildfire ignitions were recorded in the Tahoe Basin, and more than 80 percent of these ignitions were due to illegal or unattended campfires.

The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District responded to a commercial structure fire this afternoon at 901 Tahoe Boulevard, T’s Mesquite Rotisserie. Washoe County Sheriff’s Office safely evacuated all occupants. The fire was knocked down quickly with damage contained to the area of origin.

Thank you to our agency partners Nevada Highway Patrol, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Nevada State Parks and North Tahoe Fire Protection District. 

Summer has arrived and with that, it is a good time to review summer water safety tips – specific to Lake Tahoe.

We all know the temperature of Lake Tahoe is a bit colder than most since it is an Alpine Lake.

Whether boating, jet skiing, kayaking, rafting, paddle boarding or swimming, it’s a good idea to inform yourself about the colder temperatures of Lake Tahoe and how it can affect you, visit www.waterdata.usfs.gov. It’s also a good idea to check the wind conditions and red flag warning status. You can find this information at weather.gov. Currently the water temperature is approximately 55 degrees. As the winter run off continues to melt and makes its way to the lake, the water temperatures will fluctuate August through September. Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States, because of this the temperatures remain lower year-round than most lakes in our region.

We respond to numerous water emergencies on the lake not just during the summer months but throughout the year. Please consider the following safety precautions before recreating on Lake Tahoe:

Summer fire restrictions will be in effect June 1, 2022, for the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District serving the communities of Incline Village and Crystal Bay, Nevada, until further notice. Current fire restrictions prohibit the use of solid fuel, which includes charcoal and wood. This also applies to the IVGID parks and beach charcoal grilling areas.

Please note that federal and state lands campfire restrictions may differ. Check the local fire restrictions pertinent to your location.

“As we enter another year of drought conditions, we want to remind folks to recreate responsibly while outdoors during the summer months and do your part to create and maintain your defensible space,” said Fire Marshal Jennifer Donohue.

This is also a reminder during Red Flag Warnings, all sources of outdoor open flame, including gas fire pits/grills and pellet grills/smokers are prohibited.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Reno issues Red Flag Warnings to alert land management officials and fire agencies when the potential of critical weather that could lead to wildfire activity. With our drought conditions and dry vegetation, we urge our citizens to check the weather before participating in outdoor activities.

With warmer weather on the horizon comes the anticipation of outdoor grilling. The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District would like to take the opportunity to remind our community of proper grilling safety tips.

“As we are all well aware of the prolonged drought conditions, although we are not in fire restrictions yet, it is imperative that we remain diligent following basic fire safety principles,” said Fire Marshal Jennifer Donohue.

Although we are not yet in fire restrictions, propane and charcoal barbequing is acceptable if used within manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations.

Celebrated nationally during the third week of May, this special week acknowledges the outstanding services performed by our first responders nationwide. This 47th annual event brings together local communities and medical personnel to bring safety to the forefront and honor those that serve on the front line, providing day to day life-saving services for those in need.

This year’s theme, “Rising to the Challenge” recognizes our first responders who provide emergency medical services in our communities across the country. Whether in populated cities, small villages or less populated rural areas, these individuals answer the 911 call no matter what or where the circumstances.

“As we are all well aware, these past few years have added an additional level of care and concern with COVID-19 and our personnel have taken every measure to provide for our citizens health, safety and well-being” said Fire Chief Ryan Sommers.